When I started working with my Uncle Bob last summer, I assumed that construction would be an easy, fun way to make a few extra bucks. However, I quickly discovered that construction work was serious business, filled with risks, difficulty, and rewards. After almost being creamed by a few backhoe booms, I learned how to stay out of the way. However, staying safe around heavy machinery isn't always easy to do. My blog talks about how to use machinery properly and what you need to do to stay safe so that you can return home to your family each and every day.

Staying Safe Around Heavy Machinery

Renting A Crane For Your Next Project? These 3 Tips Will Help Keep You Safe

26 June 2015

Ashley Hayes

If you're going to be doing work on your home, you may be thinking about renting a crane. Mobile cranes are an excellent way to lift heavy items, such as roofing heating and air conditioning units, onto your roof. Before you begin using a mobile crane, it's important that you take the necessary safety precautions.

These safety precautions can prevent serious accidents or injuries. This list will help you understand the steps you should take to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of those around you.

Wear Appropriate Safety Gear

Before you operate any heavy machinery, it's important that you're wearing the appropriate safety gear. This gear will help protect you in the event of an accident. Your safety gear should include:

Steel-toed boots – protect your feet from injuries

Leather gloves – protect your hands from burns caused by hot surfaces

Hardhat – protect your head from falling equipment

Safety goggles – protect your eyes from serious injury

Inspect the Crane

Like all heavy equipment, cranes can malfunction if not in good working order. You should conduct a thorough inspection each time you operate your mobile crane. Both the interior and exterior should be included in the inspection. Here's what you should be looking for.

Interior. The controls are the first things you should inspect when you examine the interior of the crane. Be sure that the controls are all properly labeled, then inspect the safety equipment. You'll want to make sure that there is a working fire extinguisher in the cab and that your safety harness is not damaged or frayed.

Exterior. When inspecting the exterior of the crane, you should be checking for loose or missing bolts, under-inflated or damaged tires, and cracked or damaged hooks. You should also inspect the safety ropes and wires that are connected to the hook. Those should be free of any type of damage, including fraying.

Choose a Firm Foundation

Before you start operating your crane, you should ensure that you've positioned it on a firm foundation. Be sure that the ground is level and that the weight is evenly distributed on the crane. An uneven distribution of weight may cause your crane to tip over during operation, which could cause serious injuries or even death.

Mobile cranes can make heavy jobs much easier. If you're going to be renting a crane for your next project, be sure you follow the safety tips provided here. These safety tips can keep you out of harm's way while you're operating your crane. For more information, contact A C Jones Trucking Inc.